Embalming apparatus



y 1933- c. G. POSTLEWAIT 2,124,121

EMBALMING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 23, 1936 Patented July 19, 1938 umro STATES PATENT OFFICE 15 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in embalming apparatus, and has particular reference to a new and improvedapparatus ofaunitary character by the use of which the injection of the embalming fluid is subject to accurate determination and control.

One of the primary objects of the invention resides in the provision of a novel embalming apparatus in which the embalming fiuid is injected under a constant adjustable predetermined pressure.

Another object is to provide a new and improved embalming apparatus in which the rate of flow of the embalming fluid into the body is measured I and indicated.

A general object resides in the provision of an embalming apparatus of the-foregoing character which is readily portable, which has its controls on a convenient panel, and which is simple, compact, sturdy and relatively inexpensive in construction. The present invention makes it possible to use mechanically compressed air instead of pressure produced and controlled by hand.

Further objects and advantages will become ap- 5 parent as the description proceeds. In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of an embalming apparatus embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view.

Fig. 3 is a plan view.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus taken partially along line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view 35 taken substantially along line 55 of Fig. 4.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I

have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it 40 is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Referring more particularly to the. drawings, the embalming'apparatus, constituting the exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a suitable container 6 adapted to contain the 50 embalming fluid indicated at l. Preferably, the

container 6 is in the form of a closed upright "cylinder having a filling opening 8 in the top normally closed by a screw cap 9.

The container 6 is rigidly supported on a base plate In which may be removably positioned on any desired surface, such as the top of a table, indicated by the line H. In its preferred form, the means for mounting the container 6 on the plate l0 consists of an upright arcuate plate or bracket l2 which at the lower end is formed with a peripheral flange I3 attached to the plate "Land which at the upper end conforms to the curvature of and is attached to the lower end portion of the rear of the container 6.

A flat upright panel I4 is rigid with the front edge of the base plate 6, and extends upwardly therefrom in front of the container 6. Various fittings, hereinafter described and connecting the container 6 and the panel l4, constitute supplemental supporting means for the container. 15

The embalming fluid is adapted to be discharged from the bottom of the container 6 through an outlet pipe I5 which extends first downwardly, then at right angles across the rear of the panel I4 and then at right angles forwardly through the panel wherein it may be anchored by a suitable fitting l6. Interposed in the vertical section of. the pipe I5 is a rotary cut-off 'valve ll having an operating stem l8 extending forwardly through the panel 14 and provided at thefront thereof with a hand knob 19. A flexible conduit 20, having a stop valve 2|, is adapted to be removably connected to the forward end of the outlet pipe I5, and maybe provided with the customary arterial injection tube (not shown). so

In the present instance, the embalming fluid is injected under an applied pressure subject to accurate control throughout the operation. To this end, any suitable gas, such as air, inert with respect to the embalming fluid, is supplied under pressure through a pipe 22 to the top of the container 6. The pipe 22 is adapted to be connected through a flexible conduit 23 to a suitable source of compressed air (not shown), such, for example a s a compressor or a pressure reservoir. Interposed in the pipe 22 is a rotary cut-off valve 24 having'an operating stem 25 extending through the panel l4 and provided at the front thereof with a hand knob 26.

One of the important features of the present invention resides in controlling and regulating the pressure of injection. 'Thus, I have interposed in the line 22, between the container 6 and the valve 24, an automatic governor valve 21, preferably of the diaphragm type, for maintaining a substantially constant predetermined pressure in the top of the container 6 regardless of pressure impulses and fluctuations at the pressure source. The valve 2'! has an adjusting stem 28 which projects through and to the front'of the panel CJI ' branch pipe 3|.

ends of the container 6.

M for manual actuation to vary at will. the pressure that is to be maintained.

The pressure of the embalming fluid is measured by a suitable gauge 29 which is mounted in the panel l4 and'which is connected by a branch pipe 30 to the outlet pipe l5. Preferably, the gauge 29 is calibrated in feet of water height since this is the scale with which most embalmers are familiar.

Connected to the pipe 22 between the container 5 and the pressure control valve 2! is a A normally closed bleed valve 32, mounted in the panel l4 and having a needle stem operating knob 33, is connected to the free end of the pipe 3|. The valve 32 affords means for reducing or relieving the gas pressure in the top of the container 6.

Another important feature of the invention resides in indicating and gauging the flow of embalming fluid into the body. I have provided a novel flow meter which in its preferred form comprises two parallel vertical glass tubes 34 and 35 which are mounted on the front of the panel l4, and which extend along a suitable scale 36. The tube 34 is connected at the top and bottom respectively through pipes 31 and 38, anchored in the panel Hi, to the upper and lower Hence, the liquid in the tube 34 will always indicate the level of the liquid in the container 6.

The tube 35 is connected at the upper end by a pipe 39, anchored in the panel l4, to the top of the container 6. Hence, the upper ends of both tubes, as well as the container 6, are under the same gas pressure. The lower end of the tube 35, instead of .being connected directlyto the bottom' of the container 5, is connected by a pipe 40, anchored'in the panel M, to the outlet pipe l5 at a point 4| beyond the valve IT. A rotary cut-off valve 42 is interposed in the pipe 46, and has an operating stem 43 extending through andto the front of the panel l4 and there provided with a hand knob 44. When the valves l1 and 42 are open and fluid is passing through the pipe IS, the liquid level in the tube 35 will belower than that in the tube 34. The differential between these levels is directly proportional to the rate of fluid flow, andthe scale 36 may be calibrated thereto.

In operation, first the valve 2| is closed, and air under. pressure is supplied to the container 6 until the desired predetermined pressure is reached. As long as the valve 24 is open, this pressure will be substantially and automatically maintained by the valve 21. The valve 2| is now opened to discharge fluid through the pipe l5 for injection into the body. The pressure on the arteries in feet of water height is indicated by the gauge 29, and hence is always known and under control. The gauge is connected to the line IS in order to indicate as nearly as possible the actual pressure of the fluid entering the body. Excessive pressures, which would tend to break down the tissues or cause swelling at conspicuous places such as the neck, therefore are not inadvertently possible.

The level of the liquid in the container 6 is indicated at all times by the tube 34. Assuming both valves l7 and 42 to be open, the rate of flow into the body will be determined by the differential in level of the liquid in the tubes 34 and 35. Thus, if the body is taking the embalming fluid rapidly, the differential will be relatively large. If the body is taking the fluid slowly, the diiferential will berelatively small.

-valve 2|.

If the flow should be so abnormally fast that no liquid is present in the tube 35, or the level in the latter is very low, the valve 42 may be closed I and then the rate of flow may be determined by inspection of the fluid drop in the tube 34 alone. The tube 35 also affords a convenient means for preserving an initial reading of the liquid level in the container 6 at any time. Thus, when the tube 34 is to be used alone, the flow through the pipe I5 is stopped temporarily as by closing the The level in the tube 35 thereupon rises to that in the container. Then, the valve 42 is closed, and the valve 2| is opened to continue injection. The progressively increasing differential in level in the tubes then indicates the volume of injection from the time that the valve 42 was closed.

Should the rate of injection become very slow so that the differential reading, with both valves I1 and 42 open, is negligible, the tube 35 may be used alone. In this event, the valve I1 is closed to cut off the tube 34 and the container 6. Thereupon, only fluid from the tube 35 will be injected, and the fall in level will be more rapid and hence more susceptible of accurate determination. Here again the difference in the liquid level in the tubes will represent the quantity injected.

It will be evident that I have provided a new curately measuring'the pressure and rate ofinjection at all times, guessing is eliminated, and the operator is advised as to the condition of the body and progress of the operation. If desired,

the line 23 may be connected to a compressor mounted directly on the base III, or to a pressure reservoir supplied from a compressor, both the reservoir and compressor being mounted on the base l0. Such construction would constitute a complete self-contained unit.

I claim as my invention:

1. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base, a pressure container mounted on said base and adapted to contain an embalming fluid, means for maintaining the fluid in said container under pressure, an outlet line for discharging said fluid from said container for injection, and a flow meter connected in said line for indicating the rate of fluid discharge.

2. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base having an upright panel, a pressure container mounted on said base and adapted to contain an embalming fluid, an outlet line opening from the bottom of said container, a vertical glass tube on said panel and connected at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container for indicating the liquid level in said container, a second vertical glass tube parallel and juxtaposed to said first mentioned glass tube on said panel and connected at its upper end to the top of said container and at the lower end to said outlet line, and a scale on said panel between said tubes.

3. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base having an upright panel, a pressure container mounted on said base and adapted to contain an embalming fluid, a discharge line opening from the bottom of said container, means for indicating the liquid level in said container, a vertical glass tube connected at its upper end to the top of said container and at the lower end to said outlet line, and a scale on said panel for indicating the differential between the levels in said container and tube.

4. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base, a pressure container mounted on said base, a line for supplying a gas under pressure to said container, an automatic pres- I. sure regulating valve interposed in said line, an

outlet line opening from said container for discharging liquid therefrom, means for indicating the liquid level in said container, and a vertical glass tube connected at its upper end to the top of said container and at its lower end to said' outlet line.

5. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base, an upright pressure container mounted on said base, a line including a cut-ofi valve for supplying a gas under pressure to the top of said container, 2. pressure control valve interposed in said line between said container and said cut-ofi valve-for maintaining'a constant predetermined pressure in said container, an outlet line opening from the bottom of said container and including a cut-off'valve, a liquid level gauge including a vertical glass tube connected 'at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container, at second vertical glass tube connected at its upper end to the top of said container and at its lower end to said outlet line at the outlet side of the cut-oil valve therein, and a 'cut ofi valve in the connection between said last mentioned tube and said outlet line.

6. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base, a panel .on said base, a pressure container mounted on said base, a line for supplying a gas under pressure to the top of said container, at pressure control valve interposed in said line for maintaining a predetermined pressure in said container, an outlet line opening from the bottom of said container and including a cutoff valve', a liquid level gauge including a vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container, and a second vertical glass tube connected at its upper of said container, a liquid level gauge including a vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container, and a second vertical glass tube connected at its upper end to the top of said container and at its lower end to said outlet line.

8. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base, an upright panel on said base, an upright pressure container mounted on said base rearwardly of said panel, a line including a cut-ofi valve for supplying a gas under pressure to the top of said container, a pressure control valve interposed in said line between said container and said cut-oil valve for maintaining a constant predetermined pressure in said container, a bleed line branching from said first mentioned line between said container and said pressure control valve and including a normally closed valve adapted to be opened to the atmosphere, an outlet line opening from the bottom of said container and including a cut-ofi valve, a pressure gauge connected to said outlet line at the outlet side of said last mentioned cut-oiT valve, a liquid level gauge including a vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively tothe top and bottom of said container, a second vertical 'glass tube connected at its upper end to the 'top of said container and at its lower end to said outlet line intermediate the cut-oflf valve therein and said pressure gauge, and a cut-oil valvein the connection between said last mentioned tube and said outletlline, said pressure gauge and said tubes being mounted on said panel and all of said valves having hand operators on said panel.

' 9. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a base having an upright panel, a pressure container mounted on said base and adapted to contain an embalming fluid, an outlet line opening from the bottom of said container, a vertical glass tube on said panel and connected at opposite ends respectively to'the top and bottom of said container for indicating the liquid level in said container, and a second vertical glass tube parallel and juxtaposed to said first mentween said tube and said outlet line, and a second generally vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container.

11'. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a container adapted to contain fluid, an outlet line opening from said container, a generally vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top of said container and said outlet line, a second generally vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container, and a cutofi valve interposed in said outlet line between saidcontainer and said first mentioned glass tube.

12. An embalming apparatus comprising, in combination, a container adapted to contain fluid, an outlet line opening from said container, a generally vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top of said container and said outlet line, a cut-ofi valve interposed in the connection between said glass tube and said outlet line, a second generally vertical glass tube connected at opposite ends respectively to the top and bottom of said container, and-a cut-oft valve interposed in said outlet line between said container and the connection of said outlet line with said first mentioned glass tube.

13. In combination in embalming apparatus of the character described, a pressure tank for a supply of embalming fluid under pressure, an outlet line communicating with the bottom of said tank and leading to a discharge point, and means operable by the pressure differential between said tank and a spaced point in said outlet line during discharge from said line to indicate the rate of flow-through said line.

14. In combination in apparatus of the character described, a pressure tank for embalming fluid, a continuous-pressure supply line communi- 10 acter described comprising, in combination, a

pressure tank for .embalming fluid, means for maintaining the fluid continuously under regulated pressure, an outlet line leading from said tank to a point of discharge, a gauge for indicating the pressure at one point in said outlet line, and means operable in response to the pressure differential between said tank and a given length of said outlet line during discharge for indicating the rate of fluid flow through said line.

CLIFFORD G. POS'I'LEWAIT. 

